APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT

SNOWSHOE BINDING WITH TOP BUCKLES

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

Background of the Invention

This invention concerns snowshoes, and relates to an improved boot binding for a snowshoe .

This invention primarily provides improvements over Patent No. 6,814,360, owned by the assignee of the current invention, that patent being fully incorporated herein by reference . In that patent, a snowshoe binding had a minimal lower shell or footbed structure and included two straps , extending from left and right toe stop positions at front, extending back in an intersecting X configuration, then each passing over respective loops on the shell at lateral upward positions, then returning to a floating "buckle island" where the two buckles were located (see Figure 1) . The two buckles were connected back to back with a short spacing between them and "floated" over the boot or shoe, generally above the ball of the foot and adjacent to the shoe's lacing. (The terms "boot" and "shoe" are intended to be understood interchangeably. )

The current invention encompasses improvements to the binding described in the *360 patent, to better and more stably engage the boot, to maintain positioning of the straps and in some forms to lessen the length of straps, and to provide greater convenience to the user in securing the shoe in the binding and' comfort to the user in use of the snowshoes.

Summary of the Invention

In the current invention a binding for a snowshoe has, in several different embodiments, a pair of straps to draw the binding tight over a user's boot, the two straps reversing direction at side loop points and being secured to a pair of buckles at the top of the binding, generally over the ball area of the foot . In one form the straps are anchored at toe points on the binding and extend back in a crossing, X configuration, then each passes through the reversal loop at opposite sides of the binding and then centrally to the respective buckle at the top of the binding, as in Patent No. 6,814,360. The two buckles are close together and are secured to a flexible tongue that is connected over the crossing intersection of the straps, organizing the straps and permitting sliding through the tongue. The tongue has a back- end tab which, when the buckles are released, can be pulled to loosen the binding .

In another form the straps are shorter and do not cross, the forward ends essentially being replaced with rubbery boot toe-cradling strap-like members that extend up and back and come together at a ¹ pivot connection with a tongue, in this case a shorter tongue, to which the two buckles are connected. The tongue in both this and the first-described form "floats" and affords adjustability as to different shoe lengths. In a third form the tongue is replaced with a larger padded X-shaped flexible top member or tongue under which the boot is slid to engage the binding. A stiffening rib at front , secured to footbed toe stops, provides a springing action that tends to lift the top member off the boot, opening the binding, when the two buckles are released. In all forms the binding can include a loop to connect to the release levers of the two opposed top buckles, enabling the wearer simply to pull up on the loop to release, which will also pull the tongue upwardly causing the binding to open. Another improvement over the ^x 360 patent is that more-

rigid side wings are included in the binding to cradle the portion of the user's shoe at the arch and somewhat behind. This utilizes rearwardly extending support arms or control wings preferably integrally formed with the footbed and generally as disclosed in Patent No. 5,259,128, owned by the assignee of this invention and also incorporated herein by reference . "

A modular footbed is also disclosed, capable of receiving a series of different front ends for different bindings. It is thus among the objects of the invention to improve the comfort, ease of use, reliability and stability of a binding on a snowshoe, as well as to facilitate efficient manufacture. These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings .

Description of the ^: Drawings

Figure 1 is a plan view showing a snowshoe binding of the prior art. ^J Figure 2 is a" plan view showing an improved binding according to the invention, in a first embodiment.

Figure 3 is another plan view of the binding shown in Figure 2. '■

Figure 4 is a' side elevation view of the binding shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a" front perspective view showing a binding of the invention in a ^' , second embodiment . -

Figure 6 is a, plan view showing the binding of Figure 3«.

Figure 7 is a=. side perspective view showing the binding of Figure 3.

Figure 8 is another plan view showing the binding of Figure 6, on a snowshoe.

Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the binding and snowshoe of Figure! 8.

Figure 10 is a frontal perspective view showing a third form of improved binding according to the invention.

Figure 11 is a side perspective view showing the binding of Figure 6. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the binding of the invention, similar to that of Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 13 is a plan view of the binding in Figures 10-11, secured to a snowshoe .

Figure 14 is a side elevation view showing the binding and snowshoe of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a plan view, exploded, showing , a footbed base module and three different footbed nose modules that can be assembled to thfe common base module in a binding of the invention. Figure 16 is a side elevation view showing the base module of the modular footbed.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a snowshoe binding, without the snowshoe, in a configuration as disclosed in Patent No. 6,814,360 referenced above. .This type of binding 10 comprises a shell or harness shell 12 that acts as a footbed for the user's shoe and includes, either attached or integral, front toe stops 14 and 16. A pair of- straps 18 and 20 are secured to and extend upwardly and back from the toe stops 14 and 16. As Figure 1 shows, these straps intersect at 22 in an X configuration, then each goes to the opposite side and passes through a low- friction slide loop, the loops being shown at 24 and 26. From here the two straps each essentially reverse direction and pass through a respective buckle, shown at 28 and 30 on the drawing. The straps have tails 18a and 20a that extend out from the buckles 28 and 30 and are pulled by the user in opposite directions to tighten the binding onto the boot. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the two strap tails are connected together above the buckles, as by a snap

32. The two buckles are retained together, spaced a short distance apart as shown, and "float" above the user's boot.

Figure 2 showβ in plan view a modification of the prior art binding, in a first embodiment of the invention. A snowshoe 35 has a frame 36 and decking 38. Suspended on the frame, preferably on a pitch pivot, not shown, is a binding 40 which includes a base or shell 41 to receive the shoe of. the user. The shell 4-1 has a forward end with a pair of toe stops 14a and 16a, which' can be generally similar to those shown in the prior binding of Figure 1. Again, a pair of straps 18b and 20b cross over; one another at an intersection, then each extend back and to;i, the opposite side to pass through a relatively low-friction loop 24a, 26a. The two straps then converge toward the center as shown, pass through buckles 28a and 30a, reverse direction and extend outwardly as strap tails 18c and 20c. In this configuration, however, a rubber or rubbery plastic, pliable tongue member 42 provides guidance for the straps in the area where they intersect and provides a firm mounting for the two buckles 28a and 30a. The buckles .can be secured directly to the tongue piece 42, as by rivets, or they can be connected to a short piece of strapping, which is connected to the tongue piece. In either event the two buckles 28a and 30a preferably have some flexibility as to position, such as being pivotally connected to the tongue 42 or being connected? thereto by a flexible element. The buckles can be ladder lock; type buckles, another type of friction buckles, or cam lopk buckles. In any event, they are of a type which allow tightening by pulling the strap tails without excessive friction! ^1" through the buckles, the straps then being firmly held againsp retraction. Each buckle has a lever 28b, 30b, which release's the strap when pulled upwardly at the outer end of the buckle. See Figures 3 and 4, also showing ^' this configuration- ^' of binding.

As seen in Figures 2-4, the forward portions of the straps 18b and 20b; are guided by a forward end of the tongue

piece 42. At least one slot is formed in the bottom side of the tongue 42, through which the straps pass with low friction. The tongue 42 keeps the straps in position and organized, preventing disarray in the straps which could i otherwise occur when the binding is fully released and opened and the straps are* loose.

Figures 3 andj 4 show that the straps 18b and 20b can angle forward in approaching the buckles 28a and 30a, at least in one position of ^• the binding. The floating tongue adjusts position with different user shoe sizes, thus accommodating a range of sizes, an; important feature. The buckles are preferably held to ^' ; the tongue member 42 by pivotable connections, accommodating the different positions of the tongue . \ The drawings also show a rear tongue tab 44 preferably included on the tongue 42, for the purpose of pulling upwardly at the back of the^ tongue to release the straps of the binding. When the ^' wearer releases the binding, this is done by first pulling up the levers on the buckles to release the lock of the buckles on the straps, then by pulling up the tongue tab 44 to loosen the straps further and open the binding . i

Figures 3 and; 4 also show that the binding preferably includes a pair ofj "control wings" 46 and 48 extending toward the rear from the base or footbed 41. These control wings are somewhat similar to those shown in the above referenced Patent No. 5,259,128, and; preferably are integrally formed with the base 41 or shell of the binding. In the current embodiment, however, the control wings preferably are more contoured to the shoe or boot. [ As in the '128 patent binding, the control wings support a rear strap 48 of the binding. The importance of the control wings is in providing a more stable securement of the shoe than in the case of a flexible and pliable shell or base. The shoe? is firmly positioned between the two toe stops 14a and 16a at the front of the binding and between the

two control wings 46 and 48 at the rear, as well as being engaged by the rear strap 49. The straps 18b and 20b are connected to forward top ends of the control wings, passing through loops 24a and 26a, and thus draw the control wings close against the boot when the straps are tightened. Figures 5 thrpugh 9 show a second form of binding according to the invention, wherein the straps are shorter but i function in essentially the same way in tightening the binding. The binding 50 is shown without the snowshoe frame and decking. Here-, a modified tongue 52 is secured to extended front toe ^; stops 54 and 56 that are rubbery and pliable, although springy and tending to straighten. These toe stops preferably are integral extensions of the footbed 58, or of a forwar^ nose portion 58a of the footbed in a modular and interchangeable footbed embodiment described further below. Thfe two toe stops 54, 56 are connected by a fastener such as a'J rivet 60 tied to the tongue 52, preferably allowing some degrfee of pivoting. Again, buckles 28c and 30c are slightly spaced apart and secured to the tongue 52, preferably by pivot-permitting fasteners as shown. Again, the tongue 52 position- adjusts fore/aft to conform to different shoe sizes. The straps 62 and 64 function in essentially the same manner as described above in tightening the binding, but in this case they are anchored at the front of the tongue, preferably at the fastener 60. In essence, the bending, pliable toe stop 54 {which is integral with the footbed) replaces what would otherwise be the front portion of the strap 64 if the straps were arranged as in the previous embodiment. The difference is that the pliable toe stops 54 and 56 do not draw[ over the boot in the same manner as straps, but are fixed together at the point 60 and function more as an adjustable toe harness unit, still with considerable freedom of movement to conform against and tighten down to the boot when the straps are tightened, and capable of receiving a range of shoe sizes. The straps 62 and 64 thus stay on their

respective sides of the binding, without crossing each other, and pass through a;, low-friction loop 26b at each side of the binding, preferably mounted on the upper end of a control wing 46, 48 at each respective side. Tail ends of the straps 62a and 64a are shown extending from the buckles in Figures 5, 6 and 7, these tail ends not being shown in Figures 8 and 9.

This is a simpler and more efficient design than the form shown in Figures 2r4, in that the straps are shorter and need not pass through as much friction in tightening, and in loosening, the binding. Moreover, the binding tends to spring open when the buckles are released, because, as noted above, the toe stops 54 and 56 act as springs, attempting to assume more straightened configurations when not bound down against the boot. They may be injection molded generally in a plane with nose piece 58a, as seen in Figure 15. Thus, even though still confined by the connection at 60 to the tongue, these toe stops will spring the tongue upwardly as soon as the binding is released., making insertion and removal of the shoe from the binding easier and more convenient . The extended toe stops 54 and 56 act together as a stiffening rib, in a manner somewhat similar to the embodiment described below.

Another preferred feature of this form of binding is a quick-release for the buckles. Buckle levers 28b and 30b are shown in Figures 5:-7. As described previously, these are pulled up at their ^; outer ends to release the straps. In

Figures 8 and 9 a buckle release loop 66 is shown secured to the two buckle levers. This enables the user, with a single upward pull, to release both buckles ^' , loosening the straps, while also pullingf up on the tongue 52 to further loosen the straps. This quick release is also aided by the upward/forward springing action of the toe stops 54 and 56. The buckle releasef loop can also be included in the binding of the first embodiment described above, if desired.

Figures 10-141* show a further variation of the invention. Here, a binding 70 ^s , shown disconnected from a snowshoe, has a

larger, padded, flexible and rubbery tongue 72, which can be in generally an X configuration as seen in Figure 10. A strap pattern is similar* to but slightly different from that of the above described form of binding. Here, the footbed 58b, which can be a modular fpotbed as described below, has a different front end or nose module 58c. Short toe stops 74 and 76 extend up integrally from the footbed. These toe stops may be somewhat more rigid than the longer toe stops 54 and 56 of the above described fojrm of binding, and may extend up approximately 1 ¹ A inch from the footbed. To the toe stops is secured a generally arch-shaped stiffening rib 78 as shown in Figure 10. The stiffening rib in Figure 10 is shown as partially transparent, to assist in understanding the construction. t The stiffening rib 78 is secured to the two toe stops 74, 76 preferably in pivotal connections, as by rivets 80, to form a type of hinged release or nose hinge for the binding. Both the stiffening ribband the toe stops are deflected when the binding is drawn dpwn. When the binding is released the toe stops tend to spring outwardly and the stiffening rib 78 to straighten from its warped and arched configuration. This has the desired effects of springing the tongue member 72 upwardly when the straps arfe released, quickly releasing and opening the binding for removal and insertion of a _^ shoe . It is the tendency of the tofe stops 74, 76 and the arch-shaped stiffening rib 78 to return to their undeformed configurations, that causes the tongue to be lifted upwardly on release of the straps .

Although larger than in the other forms described, the tongue 72 still has some fore/aft adjustability movement. A f. larger, taller boot placed into the binding will hold the tongue higher and kore forward, and the buckles and straps accommodate this with the buckles pivotally secured to the tongue . As seen in Figures 10-14, the straps 82 and 84 in this

embodiment do not intersect or cross over each other, but are secured to the tongue and/or the stiffening rib 78 at connection points 86, which can provide pivoting, such as rivets or machine screws. As in the previous forms of bindings, the two straps extend back to pass through loops 26b on opposed sides of the binding, preferably at upper forward ends of control wihgs 46a and 48a as in the previously- described embodiment . From there the straps go to the respective buckles! 28c and 30c and have tails 82a and 84a shown extending out from the buckles in Figures 10-12. Again, the buckles are piyotally connected to tongue 72.

The relatively larger tongue 72 shown in this embodiment

'& xs comfortable to the wearer, being padded on the underside i". (at 72a) , and cradling the top of the shoe in a stable manner that helps secure the shoe in proper orientation on the snowshoe. Figure 3.2 shows a slightly modified form of tongue 72b, still padded but without the width at the top shown in Figures 10-11, 13 and 14. Also, in the form shown in Figure 12 the stiffening rib 78a is integral with the tongue, as is preferred and also- shown in Figures 13 and 14. Thus, the tongue/stiffening rib 72b/78a can be a more rigid component, to provide the neecled function of the stiffening rib, while still having a padding 72c at the underside, for comfort against the shoe. 5 The stiffening rib 78a again has an undeformed configuration that is toward a more straight or planar configuration than the arched or domed configuration assumed when the binding is tightened down against a shoe or boot 90. The stiffening rib 78a, as in the form described above, coacts with! ¹ toe stops 74, 76 to provide the springing action, being pivotally connected together at points 80.

Figure 14 shows a release loop that can be secured to the buckle release levfers, as on the other embodiment above.

Although the stiffening rib and tongue are preferably formed integrally as just described, the device can alternatively be an integral but softer and more pliable piece

of material, but with a reinforcement that comprises a stiffening rib in the arched or domed configuration described.

Figures 12-14' show the binding 70 connected to the snowshoe 35, preferably with provision for pivoting on the snowshoe m the pitch direction.

Another feature shown in Figures 13 and 14, and also in Figures 10 and 11 and in some of the drawings showing the other embodiments, ^ is an asymmetry in the footbed/control wing structure 58b, or 58. As seen especially in Figures 10 and 13, the footbed extends farther forward on the user's right side (or medial side) , for this snowshoe and binding designed for the left foot.'. A forward point 58d extends farther forward on the user's right (medial or inner side of the shoe) than a forward point 58e on the user's left (outer side of the shoe) . At the same time, at the rear of the footbed the control wings 48a and 46a are at non-symmetrical positions. The inner side control wing 48a is positioned for snug engagement with the arch, while the outer control wing 46a engages against the shoe slightly farther back, where the shoe tends to narrow near the heel. This asymmetrical configuration is to assure the foot becomes aligned _e with the center of the snowshoe . Shaping the control wings to better contour to the user's shoe tends to better center the foot and to provide better stability and rigidity for resisting rotation of the foot relative to the snowshoe. The more contoured engagement also provides for better comfort to the wearer when using the snowshoes .

Another feature of the invention, as briefly mentioned above, is a modular footbed. The footbeds (58, 58b) shown in Figures 5 through 9, and at Figures 10 and 11, have different front ends, i.e. nose modules (58a, 58c). The back portion 58d of the footbedij however, a base module, is the same in both cases . Further variations of the nose modules of the footbed can be provided as well, depending on the length desired for the footbed, and, especially, the type of toe

stops and strap arrangement to be used. This is a feature essentially not seen by the user, but one that provides versatility and modularity in manufacturing. Figures 15 and 16 show how the components can be assembled, in one embodiment. Also, -as shown in Figures 5-7 and also in Figures 10 and 11, a break;; line 92 shows where the two components or modules meet, and machine screw or rivet fasteners 94 are also visible, extending! vertically and securing the base portion of the footbed 58 to the end member 58a or 58b. Preferably the components are secured together by a nesting configuration and

1 an appropriate form of tab and slot arrangement , such as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. Once the fasteners 94 are secured, a permanent connection is made, which is essentially equivalent to an integral connection in the assembled snowshoe . ^l

Figure 15 shows a preferred embodiment, showing the base module 58d and three separate nose modules 58a, 58c and 58e. The nose modules 58a and 58c are those shown in Figures 5-9 and 10-11, respectively. The nose module 58e is not shown in the other drawings ^' , but is for another modified binding. Figure 16 shows the base module 58d in side view.

As seen in these drawings, the front 96 of the base module may have a somewhat irregular shape, with a concavity 97 that tends to follow the shape of the nose piece ahead. The nose module 58a, 58c, 58e has a recess 98 at its top surface for closely nesting the contour of the front end 96 of the base module, as shown. In addition, a further recessed area 99 can be included in each of the nose pieces, to nest with a relieved region on the bottom of the base's front 96, of the identical shape. This relief is not clearly seen in

Figures 15-16, but! it nests closely in the recessed area 99 of the nose module and it helps nose end base pieces fit snugly together. t-

Additional connection is made between base and nose with a tab 100 extending forward from the base module. This

inserts into a slot 102 in each of the nose modules, locking the modules such that of the base module cannot lift relative to the front of the nose module. Finally, the base and nose

module and holes at 106 in the nose modules. At least one fastener holds the; overlapped layers together, and preferably two are used. The overlap could be reversed if desired, so long as the modules are well secured together and separation is prevented at front and back of the overlap area.

The above described preferred embodiments are intended to t illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other Embodiments and variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

WE CLAIM: